Nutrition Care Resulting In Improved Outcomes For Colombian Older Adults With Cancer At Malnutrition Risk: Results Of A Quality Improvement Program

Rationale: Cancer brings changes to the body that can lead to malnutrition, resulting in weight and muscle loss. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, malnutrition is reported in up to 87% of cancer patients and up to 89% of cancer patients have low muscle mass. Addressing malnutrition through nutrition care programs can improve overall patient health and reduce healthcare costs. We assessed the impact of a comprehensive, nutrition-focused quality improvement program (QIP) on nutritional and functional outcomes and healthcare resource use among a cohort of Colombian older adults with cancer presenting for outpatient care post a recent hospitalization and/or for chronic disease management.